Looks like you were able to answer one of your own questions
. To me, it's another tool in my toolbox. That was my analogy I attempted to make with the guitars but you obviously feel different which is fine. The Axe FX is a great tool and I'll recommend it to anyone I talk to. In my case, it's emulating many of the tools I already have but it's different. Not in a bad way, just different. Different is good. For example, one of my configurations is a Friedman BE100 (yes I have both early and late versions among other heads), the emulation is great. it's not the same (at least I haven't been able to duplicate either head yet exactly), but it's great. Would I sell my BE100 heads to use the emulated BE100, no. It's a different tone, once again, not in a bad way, but different. There's so many choices with IR considerations and other modifications, it's a bit daunting to me. It's like I'm not sure where to begin lol.
I feel you're 100% spot on that most cannot afford to purchase much of the gear it's emulating, so as a one purchase item to emulate many components, so far, my experience it is a great choice! If I could afford only one choice for example being the Axe FX or the Friedman, I'd imagine I'd pick the Axe FX. It's less expensive and more versatile.
I'm on the same journey as you with my new piece. Good luck!